Where to Start with Christine Lynxwiler
If you are new to Christine Lynxwiler's heartfelt stories of faith, family, and romance set in the scenic Ozark Mountains, the best place to begin is with the McFadden Brothers series. Starting with In Search of Love, this four-book saga introduces you to Lynxwiler’s trademark blend of rural humor, authentic Christian faith, and close-knit family dynamics. Alternatively, if you prefer cozy mystery over romance, start with the Sleuthing Sisters Mystery series, beginning with Death on a Deadline, which she co-authored with her real-life sisters.
McFadden Brothers Series Reading Order
The McFadden Brothers series follows four brothers navigating life, duty, and romance in Arkansas. While each book can technically stand alone as a complete romance, reading them in order allows you to watch the brothers' family dynamic evolve naturally.
- In Search of Love (2003): Follows private investigator Cade McFadden as he helps local cook Annalisa Davis search for her missing sister.
- Patchwork and Politics (2003): Focuses on Gabe McFadden and his complicated relationship with Brittany Mitchell amidst local political rivalries.
- Through the Fire (2004): Tells the story of Burney McFadden as he deals with past trauma and finds unexpected romance.
- Longing for Home (2005): Wraps up the series with Ward McFadden's story of coming home and finding his match.
McCord Sisters Series Reading Order
Set on a family ranch in Arkansas, this trilogy (with a later fourth addition) follows the lives of siblings—several of whom were adopted by Jonathan and Lynda McCord. The series is best read in publication order to track the ranch's ongoing storyline and family connections. A follow-up spin-off series, the McCord Brothers, begins with The Stars Remember (2011).
- Shoot for the Stars (2009): The initial book introducing the family dynamics and the first sibling's quest for love.
- The Reluctant Cowgirl (2009): Focuses on Crystal McCord, an aspiring actress who reluctantly returns to her family's ranch.
- Cowgirl at Heart (2010): Follows Crystal's sister Elyse, a skilled dog trainer, as she opens her heart to new possibilities.
- Cowgirls Don't Cry (2010/2011): The concluding story focusing on Kaleigh McCord and her career in journalism.
The Pinky Promise Sisterhood
Set in the fictional town of Shady Grove, Arkansas, this series centers on a tight-knit circle of childhood friends who support each other through life's trials. These books should be read in order:
- Promise Me Always (2006): Introduces Allie Richards, a widowed mother and landscape designer entering a major local competition.
- Along Came a Cowboy (2008): Follows another sisterhood member, Rachel, as she navigates returning home and facing past relationships.
Sleuthing Sisters Mystery Series
Co-authored by Christine Lynxwiler and her sisters Jan Reynolds and Sandy Gaskin, this cozy mystery series mixes wit, family drama, and suspense in small-town Arkansas. It features sisters Jenna Stafford and Carly Reece Stafford. They can be read individually or via the omnibus collection:
- Death on a Deadline (2007): Jenna recruits Carly to go undercover to investigate a murder when her nephew is accused of killing his newspaper boss.
- Drop Dead Diva (2008): The sisters investigate another local mystery with plenty of humor and small-town charm.
- Down Home and Deadly (2008): The third installment in Jenna and Carly's sleuthing adventures.
- Alibis in Arkansas (2008): A complete omnibus collection containing all three novels.
Standalone Novels, Novellas, and Collections
In addition to her multi-book series, Lynxwiler has written several holiday stories and standalone novellas. These do not require any prior reading and make perfect seasonal reads:
- Simply Christmas (2004): A 4-in-1 anthology where Christine Lynxwiler contributed the novella My True Love Gave to Me (later published individually).
- Forever Christmas (2007): A standalone novel set in the holiday-obsessed town of Jingle Bells, Arkansas, following Kristianna Harrington's quest to save her shop.
- Home for the Holidays (2012): A Christmas novella featuring librarian Lauren Hollister and her friend Jeffrey Warren, published in various holiday collections.
What to Know Before You Start
Christine Lynxwiler’s works were primarily published under the Heartsong Presents line, meaning they are short, fast-paced, and focus heavily on faith, community, and traditional values. While the series have distinct focus points, they all share the common setting of rural Arkansas, meaning readers will experience a similar cozy, Southern atmosphere throughout her entire bibliography.